Shadows of the Past

Chapter 1 Day Dream

Rajesh sat in the crowded cafeteria, absently stirring his coffee while staring out the window. It was a typical day at college, filled with laughter and the hustle of students. But for him, everything felt muted. He remembered the vibrant energy of his relationship with Jayanthi, a girl who captured his heart with her infectious laughter and kindness.

"Rajesh!" Jayanthi called, her voice cutting through his thoughts. She rushed to his table, her long hair flowing behind her. "You won’t believe what just happened in class!"

Rajesh smiled, the familiar warmth spreading through him. “What is it this time? Did Professor Sharma make another corny joke?”

Jayanthi rolled her eyes, plopping down across from him. “Close! But it was about quantum physics. You know how he gets all excited over things we can barely grasp.”

Rajesh chuckled, remembering how Jayanthi often struggled with the more complex subjects. “I thought you loved science?”

“Only the parts I understand!” she replied, sticking her tongue out playfully. But behind her cheerful demeanor lay a hidden struggle; Jayanthi had monophobia—the fear of being alone.

As they spent more time together, Rajesh noticed Jayanthi’s anxiety creeping in during moments of solitude. “Jayanthi, are you okay?” he asked one evening as they walked through the campus.

She paused, her expression shifting. “Sometimes, I feel like I can’t breathe when I’m alone. It’s like the walls close in.”

Rajesh took her hand, squeezing it gently. “You’re never alone as long as I’m here.”

But despite his support, he often felt helpless against her fear. As graduation approached, the reality of their futures loomed over them.

Months later, graduation day arrived, filled with excitement and a hint of sadness. Rajesh and Jayanthi stood together in their caps and gowns, capturing the moment in photographs.

“Promise me we’ll stay in touch?” Jayanthi asked, her eyes glistening.

“Of course,” Rajesh replied, though he could sense the unspoken worry in her voice. They shared one last hug, but as they parted, Rajesh felt a weight on his heart.

Life moved swiftly after graduation. Rajesh landed a job at a corporate company, diving into the corporate world. He met Neha, a vibrant girl with a passion for marketing. They began dating, but Rajesh soon discovered that Neha had her own fears—esophobia, the fear of failure.

One evening, as they sat on a park bench, Neha fidgeted with her hands. “Rajesh, what if I don’t meet my targets? What if I’m not good enough?”

“Hey, you’re doing great!” he reassured her. “Just take it one step at a time.”

Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was reliving his past with Jayanthi. The echoes of their relationship haunted him, especially as he navigated Neha’s anxiety.